The blaze comes just two days after North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service issued a “don’t spark disaster” warning to the public in a bid to avoid a repetition of last year’s devastating fire on Langdale and Fylingdales Moors.

They urged anyone using a disposable BBQ to take particular care and for everyone to be aware that a discarded cigarette or match can start a fire.

“Barbeques – disposable or gas – and campfires can wreak havoc in surprising ways,” they warned.

Shortly before 8pm yesterday (Friday), Harrogate crews answered a 999 call to land near Fewston reservoir near Harrogate yesterday evening after a member of the public spotted a grass fire.

The firefighters found the blaze – and a disposable BBQ with no-one nearby.

They put out the fire with a bucket of water.

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Last summer’s devastating fire is believed to have been started by someone using a campfire or burner.  

 It burned for 40 days, at its height covered 10 square miles and closed the A171, and took a concerted effort by firefighters from several services, farmers and the local community to finally bring under control.  

The land is expected to take decades to recover and was not declared safe for walkers until months afterwards.

A criminal gang was smashed after one of its members shared a photograph of himself holding a balloon. Colin Jones, Kevin Martindale, Kevin Smith, Leon Phillips, Jack Jones, Brandon McCann, Gary Holding, Colin Dolman and Peter Jensen formed part of a Widnes-based Organised Crime Gang (OCG).

An investigation codenamed Operation Dominating into their criminal activities started after officers from Cheshire Police’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit discovered an EncroChat profile operating under the alias “Mexican Nova”. For months, officers tracked the profile, carefully examining each message sent via the encrypted network.

The exchanges disclosed “Mexican Nova” was behind supplying multiple kilograms of illegal drugs for circulation.

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Using the Mexican Nova alias, Jones also revealed his involvement in aiding another high-level organised crime syndicate with orchestrating a plot to bring large amounts of drugs into the UK.

As well as drug trafficking, messages showed Mexican Nova was actively attempting to buy a firearm magazine and ammunition, making several enquiries for what he described as “9mm sweets”, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Just three days later, he finalised a deal and arranged for an associate to collect 85 rounds of 9mm ammunition from another EncroChat user in the Grappenhall area of Warrington.

As the investigation progressed, it became increasingly clear the individual behind the account was Colin Jones. Growing more confident in the security of the EncroChat platform, Jones began revealing his identity within messages, referring to himself in one instance as “Col from Widnes” and in another as “three phones Jones”.

The evidence became definitive when Jones sent a photograph of himself, holding a balloon and a gas canister, to another user on the platform. This image enabled detectives to conclusively link him to the EncroChat account and the associated drug supply network.

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Following this significant breakthrough, detectives then began to investigate Jones’ wider OCG.

During this period, detectives established the group was responsible for sourcing and supplying more than 50kg of cocaine and 220kg of cannabis nationwide between September 2024 and November 2025.

Jones was also linked to the importation of at least 49 litres of cannabis distillate (oil) from Los Angeles. The substance was shipped in multiple smaller parcels to addresses across Widnes and Liverpool, disguised as everyday items such as honey, cosmetic products such as shampoos and conditioners, and even lava lamps.

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Further enquiries revealed Jones was managing the OCG alongside his associate, Kevin Martindale. Together, they controlled a stash house and oversaw a network of couriers responsible for transporting drugs and cash across England and Wales.

Covert officers observed Jones and Martindale conduct regular meetings at local cafés. Martindale, a plasterer by trade, used his legitimate work to try and conceal his criminal enterprise.

Leon Phillips was also identified as a key member of the group. Surveillance at his home address showed multiple OCG members visiting regularly, collecting packages before making significant journeys, indicating they were collecting drugs from the stash for onward distribution.

Peter Jensen and Jack Jones acted as the primary couriers for the group. They hired vehicles to transport multi-kilo amounts of drugs and large quantities of counterfeit cigarettes to locations across the UK, including North Wales, South Wales, Cheltenham, Birmingham, and Manchester.

Meanwhile, Colin Dolman was identified as a street-level dealer, regularly supplying drugs to users in the local area.

Brandon McCann was one of the OCG’s major customers, controlling a supply line within Widnes. During the conspiracy he purchased at least 10kg of cocaine from Jones and Martindale. He then controlled dealers to distribute the drugs throughout the town.

Jones and Martindale would go on to pool these profits from their criminal enterprise to fund lavish lifestyles, including property renovations, luxury holidays, and high-end designer clothing and jewellery.

Detectives also recovered detailed notes kept by Jones, revealing he had been involved in the transfer of at least £1.2 million worth of cash and commodities during the conspiracy.

In May 2025, Jones travelled to Dubai. In his absence, another member of the OCG, Kevin Smith, was entrusted with the ‘graft’ phone, used to manage the supply network. Acting on Jones’ instructions, Smith directed Jensen to collect a significant quantity of drugs from Kent on June 6 2025.

Jensen hired a car from Liverpool John Lennon Airport and travelled to Kent. After collecting the package, and securing it in the back seat, he began the return journey to Widnes, maintaining regular contact with Smith and even sent him a voice note asking how much he would receive in wages for the pickup. However, while travelling on the M6 near Sandbach, Jensen was stopped by officers from Cheshire Police.

He was arrested and the package, containing 20kg of cocaine, was seized. He was later charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and pleaded guilty as a result of the overwhelming evidence gathered against him.

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The drugs were analysed by a force specialist who estimated their wholesale value at between £340,000 and £600,000. At street-level distribution, their value could exceed £2.8m.

Startled by Jensen’s arrest, Martindale booked a last-minute flight from Manchester to Malta. Two weeks later, he travelled to Cyprus to meet with Jones and remained out of the country for a number of weeks, before returning home to Widnes.

On October 28 2025, Jones flew back into the UK via Manchester airport.

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With the OCG once again operating on UK soil, Cheshire Police conducted coordinated dawn raids at 11 addresses on November 8 2025, resulting in the arrest of seven men.

Colin Jones, Kevin Martindale, Leon Phillips, Jack Jones, Colin Dolman, Brandon McCann, and Kevin Smith, were all subsequently charged for their respective roles in the drugs conspiracy.

On November 11 2025, officers arrested Gary Holding at a hotel in Leeds. He was identified as a cannabis supplier for the OCG, using the imported cannabis oil to produce THC vapes and edibles, as well as supplying large quantities of cannabis. He was also charged in connection with the conspiracy.

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Faced with a comprehensive case file of evidence, all men were left with no option but to plead guilty to the charges put to them.

Eight of the men appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday, June 26. They were each individually sentenced to the following:

• Colin Jones, 38, of Parklands, Widnes, was sentenced to 17 years• Kevin Martindale, 40, of Browning Avenue, Widnes, was sentenced to 15 years• Kevin Smith, 37, of Goodall Street, Liverpool, was sentenced to eight years and four months• Leon Phillips, 43, of Liebig Court, Widnes, was sentenced to eight years• Jack Jones, 29, of Melville Close, Widnes, was sentenced to five years and three months• Brandon McCann, 23, of Milton Avenue, Widnes, was sentenced to four years and five months• Gary Holding, 48, of The Glen, Runcorn, was sentenced to three years• Colin Dolman, 53, Stewards Avenue, Widnes, was sentenced to two years and eight months

The ninth member of the OCG, Peter Jensen, 38, of Parbold Court, Widnes, was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison at Chester Crown Court on Thursday, July 31 2025, after he had earlier pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs (cocaine).

Hayden Jones-Powell got into difficulty in the water on Thursday when he was at the lake with friends

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A family is mourning their ‘gorgeous’ and ‘cheeky’ boy after he was tragically pulled dead from a lake. Hayden Jones-Powell went missing yesterday (June 25) after entering Meynell Lake, in Fosse Way, Syston.

Police were called just after 1.30pm, with Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service and East Midlands Ambulance Service also attending. Specialist dive teams launched a search of the lake where they found Hayden, according to LeicestershireLive.

The 13-year-old has been remembered by his family as a cheeky, gorgeous boy who loved animals. Hayden, a keen West Bromwich Albion supporter with a wide circle of friends, had gone to cool off in the water with friends after school when he got into difficulty.

Speaking to LeicestershireLive on behalf of the family, his aunt, Charlotte Powell, paid tribute to him.

“He was just a really lovely little cheeky boy,” she said, adding that he had lots of friends and “did really, really well at school.”

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She said Hayden leaves behind two older brothers and a sister.

Describing the day Hayden died, Charlotte, who has set up a fundraising page for his funeral, said: “Hayden was like any other teenage boy who just went to the lake to paddle with his friends.

“He wanted to cool off from the heat and enjoy the cool water, getting some respite from the heatwave after school.”

The family said they had been left devastated by the news.

“It’s horrific, absolutely horrific,” Charlotte said. “When my husband rang me yesterday to say, are you sitting down? Hayden’s gone missing.

“It’s the thing that happens to other people, doesn’t it? It doesn’t happen to your family.”

Charlotte has thanked the community for their support since Hayden’s death.

“The family are so, so grateful for all the support, really, really grateful,” she said.

“We know that in times like this, there’s so little that people can do, but if anybody can just give a fiver to our fund, just to give us the best send-off for Hayden that we can possibly do.”

Police said the person recovered from the lake was the same teenager known to have entered the water, adding that his family are being supported by specialist officers. Officers said there is no suggestion of any suspicious circumstances, and that a file will be prepared for the coroner.

Friends of Hayden are organising two balloon releases in his memory. The first is due to take place at Central Park in Syston at around 12.30pm on Saturday, with a second planned for the following Saturday in Mountsorrel.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family give Hayden “a beautiful send off,” with a target of £6,000. You can donate here.

During their first two games, Panama have taken a dynamic approach depending on the phase of play the game is in.

From opposition goal-kicks, Panama have stepped up to press aggressively in a 4-4-2 shape.

If the opponents have quality on the ball and find themselves in possession higher up the pitch, Panama’s high press falls into a mid-block, and they move from a 4-4-2 into a 5-3-2. Their focus is on making it hard for teams to play through them.

As Croatia, in particular, grew into the game, Panama took an even more defensive approach.

Their 5-3-2 became a 5-4-1, a shape they adopted with a deeper defensive line for large parts of the game.

So what does this mean for England?

Sarah Steele said Cambridgeshire’s police force did not contact her until months after the incident

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Downing Street has said it is “very concerning” that an American fighter pilot was able to avoid a trial under English law for strangling a woman in Cambridge. Captain Jacob Wulfson was tried at a court martial on a US airbase despite his alleged crime taking place while he was off-duty.

The case was not investigated by the local police and was instead handed to the US military, as first reported by the Guardian. Mr Wulfson’s victim Sarah Steele said she was treated “incredibly aggressively” by the pilot’s defence team and felt like she was the one on trial.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman questioned why the case never reached the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service). He said: “This is clearly a deeply distressing case, our thoughts are with the victim. She’s shown incredible bravery not only in her initial report to police, but also in coming forward to speak to the media to help get justice for others.”

He said the Government was “going to look really carefully at what’s happened here, and we must stress that we’re still establishing the facts”. He added: “But of course this is very concerning that a case like this never reached the CPS, but was investigated by US airbase police and heard in front of an all-male panel of air force officers.”

Cambridgeshire Constabulary said that, in December 2023, information shared by the US air force (USAF) “indicated that the victim did not wish to be contacted” by them.

“Following a welfare visit in February 2024, the victim directly confirmed to Cambridgeshire Constabulary officers that she wished the matter to remain under the investigation of the USAF,” a spokesperson added.

But Ms Steele told the Guardian that Cambridgeshire Constabulary did not get in touch to discuss whether she wanted the case to be handed over. When they spoke to her months later, she feared the investigation would have to start again or the pilot might flee the country if the case if local police took over, she said.

Justice minister Jake Richards earlier described the case as “really serious” and said there are “issues” around the military courts system. He told BBC Radio 4’s Today: “It’s a really serious case. It’s very good that it’s being raised by yourselves and others. I’m going to take it away back to the Ministry of Justice and make sure that we are looking into the details of this later.”

He added: “There are issues around military courts, whether that is in America or indeed our own, and how that interplays with our criminal courts and our civil courts. That’s always an area that we look at.” He said there should be a “really thorough and objective look at this case”.

Ms Steele, an academic, met Cpt Wulfson on a dating app and eventually arranged to meet at his flat while he was working at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk. She left his flat the next morning feeling that something was wrong, later accusing him of non-consensual sex, drugging, and strangling her, the Guardian reported.

He was charged with sexual assault and aggravated sexual contact, and was ultimately found guilty of strangulation, but acquitted of the other charges. The judge in the court martial was a US air force colonel and the jury was a panel of eight air force officers.

Some British terms had to be explained to the panel, and Cpt Wulfson’s “enemies killed in action count” as an F-35 pilot was used as mitigation for his sentence, the newspaper said.

Speaking about the trial, Ms Steele said: “It was a very difficult system to be in, and at times I was treated incredibly aggressively, and I felt like I was on trial, and it became a character assassination. People are attacking you with assertions that are trying to undermine, say that you’re lying, say that you’re a problem, say that you’re all manner of evil things and that you’re creating this, and you’ve got to wade through that staring in the face of the accused.”

Ms Steele’s case would likely have been tried at a crown court had it been handled by the CPS. The court martial handed Cpt Wulfson a sentence of six months at a correctional facility at RAF Lakenheath.

Calling for clearer guidance on who should prosecute such cases, she said: “I think it’s really important that for the interests of justice and for the rights of victims, that we have clear framework discussion around this.”

There are around 12 active US air force bases across the UK. The US military justice system has a distinct legal framework and is separate from British civilian courts.

Shadow justice secretary Nick Timothy called on David Lammy to “urgently review” the case. In a letter to the Justice Secretary, he said: “Under the Nato Status of Forces of Agreement 1951, US military authorities only have primary jurisdiction to prosecute in cases where an offence was committed on duty, towards another armed forces member, or towards a dependent.

“This case should have been fully investigated by the English police and prosecuted in our courts, with the defendant tried by a jury and the sentence determined by a judge. Therefore, I ask you urgently to review what happened in this case, confirm who decided to relinquish UK jurisdiction, and ensure that justice is served.”

Councillors have agreed to begin the process of revising the Local Plan for Stockton, which has guided development since 2019.

Councillor Richard Eglington, cabinet member for housing and transport at Stockton Borough Council, said: “The Local Plan is a really important document and it cannot be understated what a huge piece of work this will be.

“As things progress, we will continue to provide updates and how residents will be able to have their say once a consultation is launched.

“You can keep up to date with the latest developments by visiting the dedicated Local Plan web page.”

A scoping consultation will give residents, businesses, and organisations the chance to share their views and feedback.

It will also guide planning decisions and shape the long-term vision for the area.

Details on how to take part will be shared once the consultation period begins.

Anyone interested in receiving updates can register on the council’s website at www.stockton.gov.uk/local-plan.

Daniel Radcliffe’s gripping thriller Escape from Pretoria is now available to stream for free and is a must-watch for fans of edge-of-your-seat drama

Daniel Radcliffe’s riveting thriller Escape from Pretoria can now be watched at no cost.

The 2020 release, based on actual events, features the Harry Potter star as Tim Jenkin, a South African anti-apartheid campaigner jailed for his political involvement. Drawing from Jenkin’s autobiography Inside Out: Escape from Pretoria Prison, the narrative chronicles his audacious scheme to flee Pretoria Prison with two fellow prisoners after receiving a 12-year sentence.

The nail-biting thriller is helmed by Francis Annan, who co-penned the script with L. H. Adams. Following its debut, the production has garnered acclaim for its tension-filled narrative and Radcliffe’s captivating portrayal.

In their assessment, The Sun branded it “unbearably tense”, drawing parallels with Ben Affleck’s Oscar-winning thriller Argo while commending its polished direction, reports the Mirror.

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MovieWeb, meanwhile, emphasised its brisk pacing and nerve-wracking sequences, noting the film contains numerous “hold your breath” moments while lauding Radcliffe for consistently pursuing bold and demanding projects.

Eye for Film similarly commended the production, describing it as a gripping thriller that delivers beyond mere entertainment. Their critique observed that it illuminates the enduring consequences of apartheid while recounting a remarkable true account.

Daniel Radcliffe heads a formidable ensemble cast in Escape from Pretoria. Daniel Webber portrays Stephen Lee, while Ian Hart takes the role of anti-apartheid campaigner Denis Goldberg.

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Mark Leonard Winter appears as Leonard Fontaine, Nathan Page plays Mongo, and Grant Piro takes on the role of Captain Schnepel.

Having recently aired on Film4, Escape from Pretoria is now freely available to stream on Channel 4 with adverts, according to Digital Spy.

For those who prefer uninterrupted viewing, a Channel 4+ subscription provides ad-free streaming, complete with a seven-day free trial. The film is additionally accessible via Netflix.

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Fans wishing to explore more of Radcliffe’s back catalogue will find plenty to enjoy on Prime Video. Highlights include Weird: The Al Yankovic Story, in which the actor transforms into legendary parody musician “Weird Al” Yankovic.

For a considerably darker offering, the 2016 thriller Imperium sees Radcliffe portray an FBI agent who goes undercover to infiltrate a violent white supremacist organisation.

Also available to stream is the action-comedy Guns Akimbo, in which Radcliffe plays an ordinary computer programmer thrust into a brutal underground contest where he must fight to survive.

Escape from Pretoria is available to stream on Channel4.com

The rabbit was adopted from Woodgreen more than a decade ago

A Cambridgeshire rabbit rescued more than 10 years ago has been named as one of the world’s oldest living rabbits. Archie Bunn was adopted from Woodgreen in Godmanchester and has since lived with owner Andrea Lees from St Neots.

On May 28, Archie turned 15 – just weeks after lionhead rabbit Herbie was recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living rabbit at 15 years and 246 days.

Archie Bun, also known as Mr Ears, first met Andrea when she was looking for a furry companion in 2013. “We knew as soon as we saw him,” said Andrea.

She added: “All the other rabbits were being a little shy, but not Archie Bun. He was sitting up tall and proud on a box in his enclosure as if he was waiting for us. We laughed and started singing the lyrics from Lionel Richie’s Hello – ‘Is it me you’re looking for?’ – it turns out, it was.”

Archie joined Andrea’s family just a few weeks after his second birthday. In the years since, Archie has settled in with Andrea’s other rabbit Bobby. Andrea added: “As Bobby grew older and her back legs weakened, Archie Bun was forever by her side. He looked after her and protected her. It was beautiful to see.”

Today, Archie Bun continues to enjoy a full and happy life in St Neots. Samantha Ryan, Woodgreen’s behaviour and training specialist for small pets wished Archie Bun a happy birthday.

Samantha said: “Archie Bun’s 15th birthday not only places him alongside the world’s oldest living rabbit, but also shows that rabbits are a long-term commitment; a message we’re particularly eager to share ahead of this year’s Rabbit Awareness Week (June 22 to 26).

“While many people are surprised to learn that rabbits can live for 10 years or more, Archie Bun’s story is a touching reminder of the lifelong bond that can develop between rabbits and the people who love them, and shows just what can be achieved when rabbits receive the care they need to live full lives. Happy birthday Archie Bun.”

Melissa Thompson was placed into foster care at 14 months old and was inspired by the care and compassion she was shown

A woman who was placed into foster care at just 14 months old is following in the footsteps of her late adopted father as she graduates as a social worker.

Melissa Thompson is graduating today with a Bachelor of Social Work from Queen’s University Belfast, reaching a goal she has held since early childhood.

Placed into foster care at just 14 months old and adopted at the age of eight, Melissa’s early experiences shaped both her outlook and her ambition.

She said: “The care and compassion I was shown through my own experiences with social workers, inspired me from I was around four years old age. I was also influenced greatly by my adopted father, who was a social worker himself.”

Melissa speaks warmly of her father, Thomas Thompson, describing him as the person who guided and inspired her most. Prior to losing him in 2017 when Melissa was just 18, she made him the promise that she would graduate with a degree in social work.

Whilst he may have jokingly described her decision as “crazy”, following in her dad’s footsteps is something Melissa approaches with both pride and determination.

Melissa added: “My mum and dad were always supportive of my decisions and only wanted what was best for me. My dad was the most selfless, caring and funny man anyone ever met. His ultimate dad-quote was ‘I may not always be right, but I’m never wrong!’

“He was an incredible social worker and was loved and valued by every person that came into contact with him. If I can be even a fraction of the social worker he was, I will have succeeded. He was my best friend and my hero, and I’ll miss him for the rest of my life.”

Melissa’s route to graduation has not been without challenges. Health issues and surgery meant she had to pause her studies, and when she was preparing to return in 2022, she discovered she was expecting her son Harvey, who is now three.

“I was terrified to leave Harvey and at the prospect of studying full time with a child, but he was also the thing that drove me. I wanted to give my son a better life and fulfil the promise I made to my dad.”

Resuming her degree when Harvey was just seven months old, Melissa credits the support of those around her with helping her to persevere.

She said: “I most definitely would not be here without the unwavering support of my partner, my family, my tutors and the Care Experienced Support Team at Queen’s. Throughout my studies, my mum was a the most amazing support with Harvey, and my fiancé, Dawid was working constantly to provide for us.”

Maintaining connections with those who supported her is a value that permeates throughout Melissa’s journey. She describes maintaining contact with the social workers who supported her in her early years in care, including one who was newly qualified at the time and went on to become Head of Service for the Trust before recently retiring.

“She is one of the good ones,” notes Melissa. “A woman who dedicated so much of her time, career and life, and saved so many children from further harm and trauma.”

Despite the challenges she has faced, Melissa is immensely proud of her perseverance, allowing her to achieve something “truly meaningful,” going on to make that difference in the lives of others.

Looking back, she has a clear message for her younger self: “Do not worry about a thing. You are so much stronger than you give yourself credit for and every little trauma and adverse experience you have gone through will be worth it in the end.

“Be patient with yourself. You’re living for the first time and you will undoubtedly make mistakes, but it’s all part of life. Keep going, no matter how hard it gets. You’ve got this.”

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